Anyone experiencing blepharitis with PBC?

[smokylake]

I know dry eyes are a symptom, but blepharitis is a more serious consequence. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to treat it and prevent re-occurence?

[Hidden]

Blephaclean eyelid wipes have been effective for me in the past. They are in neat individual sachets, making them easy to use and hygenic. Warning for anyone who wears specs gets a bit muddled as I do, DONT use the spec cleaners in individual sachets as well as the eyelid wipes because you may accidentally use the wrong one on your eyelid. I haven't actually done that, but saw how easily I could have, and just use a spray now for specs cleaning. I hope that helps!

[Cressy in reply to Hidden]

Warm compresses on the eyes for 10 mins morning and evening help (not too hot). You can use a flannel or similar, the warmth melts the oil in the glands. Follow this with gentle finger tip massage stroking towards the eye lashes. My local chemist also stock an eye mask which can be microwaved if you prefer. Good luck!

[Lucky4]

Hi,

I started out with the excellent suggestions above which worked for awhile. However, my eyes just got worse and worse so it felt like sand was kicked in my eyes; could hardly keep them open. Drops would evaporate in seconds (according to my optometrist).

I was fortunate to have a great optometrist and ophthalmologist who specializes in eye lids. After it was determined that I needed more, I was started on punctal plugs (you can get temporary ones or permanent ones). I started with the temporary ones which helped a lot. As well, I have a prescription for eye drops that contain cyclosporin 0.5% in corn oil which were prescribed twice a day but I use at night. These drops are from a pharmacy that formulates medication but it's essentially the same (but half the cost) as Restasis.

My opthalmologist also suggested that I take cod liver oil (helps with dry eyes but do talk to your own health professionals). I did end up having a minor surgery to actually surgically close one tear duct and have a permanent punctal plug in the other eye.

With all of this, my eyes are great! I never use nor do I need eye drops.

Oh, I also have one of those Clarisonics that you use with those little brushes and it clears out your pores. I sometimes use it in the shower and spend a fair amount of time with the warm water coming over my face and massaging with the Clarisonic in an up and down motion (I was told that's the best to get the oils out for dry eyes). Anyway, I don't need to do this now but do every now and then.

Sorry for the long reply. If OTC drops and hot compresses don't work, there are some other options.

Cheers

[Lucky4 in reply to Lucky4]

Just wanted to add that I have Sicca syndrome, just bordering on Sjogren's syndrome.

[2bear]

Hi there. Very important to get a definitive dx and type it is. There are foam cleansers etc that can be prescribed. Very important particularly during allergy season to have daily practice of eye scrub and soak to clear debris - wish well ..

[smokylake]

Thank you all for the helpful replies! I saw my ophthalmologist again yesterday, and she gave me another prescription for an ointment, in addition to eye drops. The warm compresses help as well. Years ago, it was suggested to use warm tea bags as compresses, I'm going to try that again.

On another note, I just found out that my GP is returning to our town! He is the one who discovered the PBC ten years ago.

Again, thank you to everyone for the wonderful support!

[Jowen]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with blepharitis right around the time I was diagnosed with PBC. Constant care of eyes is the only things that works for me. Adds 20 minutes to my morning regime. I wish co workers could understand how difficult my mornings are.

Thanks for letting us know about alternative treatments in this thread. Sometimes I need to feel there's something that can be done about all my symptoms, but mostly I just try to carry on. If I don't take care of my eyes they become worse and I need cortisone drops.

Blephaclean and drops are expensive but absolutely necessary. Thank you for bringing this up!

J